Macomb, Oakland movers and shakers share predictions, resolutions

And with the prospect of a fresh start for 2014, we asked some movers and shakers in Macomb and Oakland counties to share their thoughts for the upcoming year.

From elected officials to those in business and the arts, they shared their predictions or resolutions for the upcoming 12 months.

Here are there responses:

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel

Prediction: With a coaching change in the works, I predict the Detroit Lions will not only make the playoffs but will win two or three games in the playoffs. Locally, I see eight more communities coming on board to our new COMTEC county-wide communications facility. I also see Macomb County taking the spotlight for a new way we deal with prisoners in terms of substance abuse and mental health problems. Instead of building a new jail, we will have a new central intake center to address these issues. We will be a leader in addressing crime.

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Resolution: I don’t do resolutions. If I need to make some improvements in my life, I just do it.

Tom Celani, co-owner of Luna Hillside, LLC

Resolution: I need to address my health. With so many employees relying on me, I need to become more focused on understanding and controlling stress. I need to relax more and I may try yoga.

Prediction: The word is getting out on what a great facility Freedom Hill Amphitheatre is. We are getting calls from managers of bands wanting to come back here, which is unheard of. I can tell you right now we will have Tony Bennett booked and another show featuring Styx and Journey together will be here. We also plan to install new special seating like at Comerica Park where you have movable chairs and a table in between, along with waitress service for food and drinks. We’re looking at some new options for getting people in and out of the facility more smoothly.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard

Prediction: I am optimistic about continuing our successful crime fighting efforts in 2014. On a lighter note, I look forward to welcoming fellow crime fighters, Batman and Superman to Oakland County this January. I showed Commissioner Gordon to the county line and Lex Luthor is in cell block B. (Ed’s note: a Supperman-Batman movie set to be shot in 2014 in metro Detroit.)

Sponge/Throttlebody guitarist Andy Patalan

Prediction: I cannot see the future for 2014 because Honolulu blue tears are impeding my vision. I’m hopeful 2014 will bring an end to all the world-ending, doomsday, Mayan prophecies and killer comet TV shows.

Prediction: It’s an exciting time to be doing business in Macomb County, and while I’ve been through many of the peaks and valleys of the automotive industry, the fact that they’re doing so well will surely help to ‘raise the boat’ for all of us who live and work in Macomb.

On a personal note, after competing in a number of 5k and 10k races over the past two years, I’m hoping to compete in my first half marathon in 2014 -- and also hoping to live to talk about it.

Marilyn Trent, principal of Rochester’s Trent Design

Prediction: As obvious as it is, I predict the Internet is going to become more user friendly for people to do commerce easier in both retail and business to business. Service and manufacturing companies will join the ranks of the believers of creating online experiences that will drive business to their doors.

There will be a trend towards no-technology weekends and low-tech vacations. People will want to do more outdoor activities and tourism will increase. There will be technology addiction groups called Tech-Addicts Anonymous.

There will be more self-help workshops and books on email etiquette, social media, and overall internet manners not only online but offline also. The way that socializing on the web is measured now will be done differently by retail giants.

Joe Vicari, founder/CEO Andiamo Restaurant Group

Prediction: The biggest challenge we are facing in 2014, as with other businesses, will be health insurance costs for hundreds of our employees. With the economy still unsteady, we’re uncertain how we will close that financial gap and raising prices to cover it is not an option for us. It’s hard to fathom that 25 years ago we started with a single restaurant in Warren and, today, have grown to 17 restaurants with 1,000 employees. This community is has been tremendously supportive over the years and we look forward to serving it for many years to come.

Craig Covey, former Ferndale mayor, Oakland County commissioner

Prediction: The grassroots movement to decriminalize marijuana will continue to grow with more cities and states across the nation moving to legalization, including here in Michigan. Even Oakland County will have to soften its last stand option against pot, to the dismay of our sheriff and prosecutor.

Christina Chriss, lead singer of the band Kaleido

Resolution: My resolution for 2014 is to write more music and tour more of the country with my band, Kaleido. We’re taking it the next level in 2014! I see rock music making more of a comeback as well. REAL is where it’s at.

Prediction: I think 2014 is going to be a year of surprises. We are now such a rapidly evolving society. Technology has allowed us to learn about each other and the world faster on a minute by minute basis. By mid-2014, today’s headlines will feel light years’ old. Tomorrow’s unexpected pop icon could still be in diapers today. On a global level, we collectively share in the unpredictable tragedies, the tabloid exploits, the heart-warming anecdotes, and the daily minutia, and move on to the next craze with almost reckless abandon. As a result, I think the best part of 2014 will be waking up on Jan. 1st, indulging in the day’s hot topic and knowing we will have 364 more micro-obessions to digest before 2015 sneaks up like a bullet.